In the suit, which was filed in Washington on Friday, Ms. Sherrod says the video has damaged her reputation and prevented her from continuing her work. Mr. Breitbart said in a statement that he "categorically rejects the transparent effort to chill his constitutionally protected free speech."

Sherrod was quickly pressured to resign by the Obama Administration after a two and a half minute edited video clip of her making racially tinged remarks emerged on July 19. When a full 43-minute copy of the video surfaced a week later, Sherrod spoke of racial reconciliation and helping a white farmer save his home.

President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack later made public apologies for forcing Sherrod's dismissal without learning the complete story. Sherrod declined an offer to return to USDA.